The President of Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) Seepaul Narine yesterday denied that the union is negotiating for a 16% hike for sugar workers.
In a statement issued in response to a Stabroek News report, titled “GAWU wants 16% pay rise for sugar workers,” which was published in Friday’s edition, Narine said the article appears to give the impression that the Union’s General Secretary disclosed the wage/salary proposal to the sugar company.
“We wish to clarify, our General Secretary [Aslim Singh] when engaged by the Stabroek News informed the reporter that the GAWU would not engage in negotiations through the media. The General Secretary politely indicated, in the circumstances, he could not disclose the Union’s proposal. Without saying much more, we must advise, however, that the proposal quoted by the newspaper is not correct,” Narine said yesterday.
The union head’s account of events is accurate. Stabroek News, through independent inquiries, was reliably informed by a source of the amount the union was seeking.
Nevertheless, the union President while acknowledging discussion with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), said that they remain hopeful to reach an amicable agreement.
Currently, the negotiating parties are reviewing the financials of the corporation to determine whether or not GuySuCo is in a position to grant the proposed increase.
GuySuCo workers last year received a 7% wages and salary increase like public servants.
